Around 200 students staged a walkout and waved Palestinian flags protesting Google’s ties with Israeli government projects
Around 200 students staged a protest during Stanford University’s 2026 commencement ceremony as Google CEO Sundar Pichai took the stage to address graduates, turning what was meant to be a celebratory event into a demonstration over Google’s business ties with Israel.
As Pichai, a Stanford alumnus, was introduced, students rose from their seats, waved Palestinian flags, blew whistles and chanted slogans. Several protesters wore keffiyehs as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians. Videos circulating online showed students walking out of the stadium in their graduation gowns while some attendees booed during the disruption.
Despite the protest, Pichai continued with his address. “I must warn you all, this is only the second commencement speech that I have ever given. The first was literally in my backyard,” he said at the start of his remarks.
The demonstration was organised by Students for Justice in Palestine and No Tech for Apartheid, groups that have been campaigning against Google’s contracts with the Israeli government, the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At the centre of the controversy is Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud-computing agreement involving Google and the Israeli government. Pro-Palestinian activists have repeatedly criticised the project, alleging that the company’s technology services support Israeli state operations.
Stanford grads walk out as Google CEO Sundar Pichai takes the stage as commencement speaker. No mention of AI, unlike other uni speakers getting booed down this year. Story for @sfgate shortly pic.twitter.com/qvS2rJ91Ip
— Matt Brown (@maattttbrown) June 14, 2026
Following the walkout, many students attended a separate event known as the “People’s Commencement,” where pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil delivered the keynote address. Khalil had previously been detained by US immigration authorities for more than 100 days over his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University in 2024.
Notably, Pichai avoided discussing artificial intelligence during his speech, despite growing concerns among graduates about AI’s impact on jobs and the technology sector. His decision comes amid increasing criticism faced by technology executives who have promoted AI at university events.
Earlier this year, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and other tech leaders faced boos from students while discussing AI, as many graduates voiced concerns over layoffs and shrinking employment opportunities in the industry.
Speaking on the Hard Fork podcast last month, Pichai had acknowledged the possibility of protests during his Stanford appearance. He nevertheless expressed confidence in younger generations and their ability to shape the future of artificial intelligence.
“I’ve always been extraordinarily optimistic about the next generation. AI doesn’t change that. These graduates are actually both going to be a big part of driving that progress and also dealing with the impact,” he said.
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